אֲחֻזַּת
Achuzzath, a Philistine
Definition
Achuzzath is the name of a Philistine individual mentioned only in Genesis 26:26, where he is identified as a 'friend' or advisor of Abimelech, king of the Philistines. The name itself is a proper noun derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'possession' or 'property.' In the biblical narrative, Achuzzath accompanies Abimelech and his army commander, Phicol, to meet Isaac at Beersheba to establish a covenant of peace, following disputes over water rights. The single occurrence presents him as a significant figure within the Philistine royal court, involved in diplomatic relations.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 26:26. It functions strictly as a personal name for a Philistine dignitary. The context is a diplomatic encounter where Achuzzath, alongside King Abimelech and Commander Phicol, seeks to formalize a non-aggression treaty with the patriarch Isaac after previous conflicts. The usage places him within a triad of Philistine leadership involved in covenant-making.
Etymology
The name Achuzzath (אֲחֻזַּת) is a feminine form or variation of the common noun 'achuzzah' (H272, אֲחֻזָּה), which means 'possession,' 'property,' or 'holding.' It is derived from the root verb 'achaz' (H270, אָחַז), meaning 'to grasp,' 'take hold,' or 'seize.' The name likely signifies 'possession' or 'one who possesses,' a thematic element in the narratives of Genesis involving land and inheritance.
Semantic Range
While the name itself is not theologically loaded, its appearance in Genesis 26:26 is significant for the theme of covenant. The encounter showcases God's faithfulness in prospering Isaac (Genesis 26:12-14) to the point that a powerful king seeks peace with him. The name's meaning ('possession') subtly contrasts with the Philistines' inability to dispossess Isaac, whom God protects. It highlights that true security and possession come from God's covenant promises, not merely political treaties.
As a proper name, Achuzzath reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of using meaningful words or theophoric elements for personal names. His role as a 'friend of the king' indicates a high-ranking advisor or confidant in the Philistine court, a recognized political position. The narrative presents a formal diplomatic protocol, where a king is accompanied by his military commander and a chief advisor for treaty negotiations, illustrating the political structures of the time.
אֲחֻזָּה (ʼăchuzzâh, H272) — The common noun meaning 'possession' or 'property,' from which the proper name is derived.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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